Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

     Pastor W. James Nelson, the present pastor, was installed at Holy Spirit on May 7, 2000. He and his wife, Dr. Karen (Kay) Nelson, have brought vitality and an emphasis on youth participation to the church. Young people have taken a larger role in the church services and are encouraged to take part in musical, youth, and ethnic activities in the city and throughout the Synod.

Pastor Nelson’s interest in and focus on obtaining a good education has inspired several young adults of the congregation to enroll in college.  

Also, Pastor Nelson has led the church in involvement with other denominations and social concerns throughout Savannah while sharing in fulfilling the mission statement: “Coming together in Faith, Hope, and Love for the Empowerment of All People regardless of Race, Color or Creed.” Through Pastor Nelson’s leadership, the congregation was able to purchase their church, and burn the mortgage within twelve years and implement upgrades to the facility.

Pastor Nelson provides community leadership as the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, board member of Step-Up Savannah, member of the Emancipation Association of Savannah and vicinity, the chairperson for the Back-To-School Campaign that serves over 5, 000 children in the greater Savannah community, advisor to the Southeastern Synod Multicultural Commission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and member of the GA African-American Lutheran Association. Opportunities for songs and testimonies have been increased during worship service. Pastor Nelson is especially known and loved for his pastoral care for the church members and their families.